Who can forget the one and only Amerie? It was only seven years ago, that the world was introducted to the African/Korean Chauntese parading in her debut video around the streets of New York, New York asking her significant other “Why Don’t We Fall In Love,” created by famed “Crazy In Love” producer Rich Harrison. From that point on, Amerie’s mark in R&B would forever remain stagnant with the work of producer Rich Harrison. Hits such as “1 Thing,” and “Talkin To Me” enabled Amerie to reach international success.
However, two years later, three albums later, a brand new label, and Rich Harrison absent, Amerie presents us with a much more edgier, aggressive, although familiar side of her musical abilities through “In Love & War.” “In Love & War” , Amerie’s Def Jam Records debut displays edgy, old-school sample, mid-tempos, mixed with the traditional heart-felt ballads, with an alternative twist.
In Love & War kicks off with the legendary Teddy Riley produced “Tell Me That You Love Me,” in which this song sounds similiar to Amerie’s previous “go-go” inspired melodies such as “1 Thing,” and “Talkin About.” This similar “go-go” inspired feeling from previous album is very evident in her current single “Heard ‘Em All.” However with “Dangerous” and “Higher” , Amerie brings out a new side of her perhaps a more alternative side, mixed with a little of pop. Amerie’s slick talk and tasteful suggestions are well packed for a potential commercial released single.
Amerie later on transitions on “In Love & War” with her signature style of using the past generations music with her own personal twist with mid-tempos “Why R U” from the Ultramagnetic MC’s, and “Pretty Brown” featuring Trey Songz from R&B Group Mint Condition’s “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).” Perhaps, her best effort in using this signature style of her’s is in the track “More Than Love” featuring labelmate Fabolous, in which Amerie uses Roy Ayers and Kool and The Gang remix of “Summer Madness.” However, Amerie’s use of Roy Ayers should not come as a surprise, due to her “Touch” album in which “Rolling Down My Face,” one of her best tracks which featured the Roy Ayers “Searching” track produced by none other, Rich Harrison.
In Love & War also changes from the aggresiveness and fire of Amerie’s angry side, to the soft, supple, and vulnerable side with the Bryan Michael Cox produced track “Red Eye” in which Amerie provides a sensual side, unfamiliar with her previous albums.
For the rest of Amerie’s album, ballads such as “The Flowers,” “Dear John,” provide the songstress to reveal a much emotional side. However, both tracks lack the emotional depth from Amerie’s voice, in which the lyrics provide, in which in previous efforts with her first two album “All I Have,” and “Touch” Amerie’s goes above and beyond in tracks such as “Falling” from “Touch” and “Show Me” from her debut album “All I Have” which demonstrate Amerie’s true vocal ability.
Amerie’s “In Love & War” is a strong comeback from absent from her traditional formula with Rich Harrison. “In Love & War” provides the slight-growth, however the relevance of Amerie in today’s Beyonce dominated R&B world. With tracks such as “More Than Love,” “Higher,” and “Red Eye,” Amerie is sure to comeback with vengenance perhaps even more. Amerie’s album In Love & War is in stores and online NOW!
THE FEED: 3/5
THE FEED TRACKS
More Than Love
Red Eye
Higher
Dangerous
Andrew Asare
Music Editor
The Urban Feed
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